The Best Friends Guide to Breast Cancer: What To Do If Your Bosom Buddy Or Loved One Is Diagnosed

LOS ANGELES (KNX 1070) — One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and chances are, your life has been touched by someone affected by the potentially deadly disease.

Sonja Faulkner, a breast cancer survivor and author of the new book, The Best Friends Guide to Breast Cancer, says too many people offer to help in the beginning of the disease, but often never follow through.

"'Let me know if there is something I can do' is something we've all said probably a billion times, and in theory it sounds great," Faulkner told KNX 1070's Vicki Moore.

"But often, there's little or no action."

When she was going through treatment, she remembered thinking: "What the hell? You know, why aren't these people reaching out to me? I've known this person since junior high school."

Faulkner says cards and letters help, but if you are willing to be there, dive in!

"Consider saying, 'I have Saturday afternoon free. Would you like me to take your kids to the movies?' Or 'I don't have to go into work on Friday morning, would you like me to do some errands for you?'" she said.

Faulkner also warns people not to say insensitive things such as, "Now that that's all over, you can get on with your life" or "You must be happy to have that behind you."

"We've all heard that before. Just know that it's never over for us," she adds.

While it may sound harsh, it's the straight talk breast cancer patients want.

"Don't let the fear, don't let the embarrassment prevent you from reaching out and letting her know that you're thinking of her and that you care about her. It's never too late," she said.